613 Tamerisk, Junction City, KS 66441-3359 March, 1998 Vol. 25, No. 1 This newsletter is printed on recycled paper
From The Keyboard -
We've had a mockingbird in our backyard since early January. them know how you feel. Your silence will only add to the It'll sit in the spirea or forsythia bush, then fly up into the problem. We all sometimes feel dwarfed by government and holly bush by the kitchen window, pluck a few berries then fly big business and think that we can't make a difference. But a back out. Its gray plumage seems to have been a perfect short visit or phone call from us "real people" can make all match to the constant cloudy weather. Yet, its white wing the difference in the world! patches bring a bright flash to remind us that spring will arrive, someday..... Finally, take a look at the Spring Meeting information at the very back. Pete Janzen and his committee have lined up some The Seasonal Roundup will be the last written by Chris great birding in a wonderful area of Kansas. Much of this Hobbs. Chris has done a fine job and enjoyed doing it. But a area is on private land and you probably won't get another person can only do so much and family has to come first. chance to visit this unique area. The cost is minimal, but the Thank you, Chris, for a job well done. Pete Janzen is already potential fun is incredible. I'm looking forward to it and I compiling the next Roundup. I don't regret handing off this hope to see you there! responsibility. With all the gulls that were seen from chuck December to February this will truly be a big challenge. Pete has been writing another column for the Horned Lark and since Pete tries to have a family life also he can only do one. Who's Who in KOS - 1998 Authors are needed to fill the vacated space! President, Roy Beckemeyer, 957 Perry, Wichita, KS 67203 Vice-president, Greg Farley, FHSU, Dept of Biological Science, You will find in this issue announcements of events or Albertson Hall, 600 Park St, Hays, KS 67601-4099 activities from other states. This is the start of a trend to try Corresponding Secretary, Karen Ganoung, Box 96, Hoisington, to help our members become aware of opportunities in our KS 67544 surrounding states. I'm starting to work with the editors from Membership Secretary, Susan Barnes, 1425 S Wichita, our neighboring states as we share information, hints and Wichita, KS 67213, [email protected] frustrations related to our positions. I hope you enjoy this Treasurer, Edwin J. Miller, 218 Bermuda Dr, Independence, KS information. Board Members: Pete Janzen, 3137 N Mascot, Wichita, KS 67204 Dr. Richard F. Johnston, 602 Dyche Hall, Univ of Kansas, You'll find an update inside on the Teaming With Wildlife Lawrence, KS 66045-2454 (TWW) project. Ken Brunson is the state coordinator for Gene Young, Dept of Biology, Southwestern College, 100 Kansas and a tireless worker with the Chickadee Check-off College St., Winfield, KS 67156 program. If we can get TWW through Washington it could Jim Mayhew, 1909 Judson, Manhattan, KS 66502 literally mean millions of dollars for conservation, education Business Manager, James Barnes, 1425 S Wichita, Wichita, KS and recreation for Kansas. Read Ken's article and contact 67213, 316-265-4059, [email protected] your senators and representatives in Washington. There are Editor, The Bulletin, Max Thompson, 1729 East 11th St, also a lot of state issues pending that could have major Winfield, KS 67156 impacts on birds and ecosystems in Kansas. Follow these Editor, The Horned Lark, Chuck Otte, 613 Tamerisk, issues and don't hesitate to contact your local legislators to let Junction City, KS 66441, 785-238-8800, [email protected] ANNOUNCEMENTS!
WANTED! Spring Meeting Information Authors May 1 - 3, 1998 Red Hills of Kansas I'm always looking for articles to put in the Horned Lark. "Oh, I'm not a writer!", you say. "Nonsense!", I Pete Janzen has a great spring meeting lined out with say. If you can get an idea on paper I can "clean it up" some exciting, once in a lifetime, fieldtrips arranged. and we can probably use it. Go to page 7 and read Don Turn to the very back of the newsletter for all the Kazmaier's article on what he's done for hummingbird pertinent information. habitat in his backyard. We'd like to hear from more of you. This is a newsletter for the members and I'd like to Not quite all the way back is important information see more members contributing to it. regarding the Colorado Field Ornithologists (CFO) Convention May 8 - 10, 1998 (the following weekend) There are two gaping holes in this issue. Pete Janzen is in Lamar, Colorado (about 100 miles west of Garden switching over to take on the Seasonal Roundup. We City on Hwy. 50.) One of the highlights of this need someone to take his place in writing a regular convention is their banquet speaker, Jon Dunn. Jon is article on birding tips, birding topics, just about the author of the recently published A Field Guide to anything. Warblers of North America along with Kimball Garrett. KOS members are more than welcome to Amy Rose, who has done such a wonderful job with the attend! Kid's Page had to pack it in. She did a great job and we'll miss her. Did you enjoy or use the Kid's Page? If so let me know, and if you want to be it's new author just drop me a note or a completed page! Chuck Otte, editor
Upcoming Meeting Locations KOS Items Available Please note the upcoming tentative spring and fall meeting locations. Mark your calendars, look for more If you would like to purchase KOS T-shirts, information in coming issues and plan to attend! sweatshirts, window stickers, etc. then you need to contact the KOS Business Manager, James Barnes, Fall 1998 - 50th Anniversary Meeting, Lawrence at 1425 S Wichita, Wichita, KS 67213, Spring 1999 - Winfield 316-265-4059, or via e-mail at [email protected] Fall 1999 - Hays If you are also having problems getting your Spring 2000 - Southeast Kansas (maybe with newsletter or bulletin let James know. And if you Okla.) want to purchase back issues, he is your contact also.
In this issue -
Announcements 2 Fall Round-up 8 Local Field Trips 21 Fall Board Meeting Minutes 3 Bird Records 18 Nature Photographers Meeting 21 Teaming With Wildlife update 5 Oklahoma Atlas Project 19 Spring KOS Meeting Information 22 Treasurers Report 6 Colorado Convention 20 Spring Meeting Registration 23 The Plant Connection 7 Gleanings from Meetings 21
- 2 - KOS Fall Board Meeting Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita 4 October 1997, Saturday, noon
Attendance: James Barnes; Roy Beckemeyer; Mike Rader; Max Thompson; Pete Jantzen; Ed Miller; Greg Farley; Karen Ganoung; John Schukman; Richard Johnston; Chuck Otte; Bill Busby.
Minutes: Mike Rader moved the minutes of the Spring board meeting, 20 April 1997, be accepted. Motion seconded and carried.
Financial reports: Ed Miller, Treasurer, distributed copies of the financial report, as of 1 October 1997. Since the KBBAT (Kansas Breeding Bird Atlas Project) totals are now completed, Greg Farley moved to transfer the KBBAT fund to the general fund; motion seconded and carried. Chuck Otte moved that this report stand as is; motion seconded and carried.
The Finance Committee met in Winfield, on 6 September 1997, and Max Thompson, Chair, presented a written summary of their recommendations. Others present at that time were Roy Beckemeyer, Gregg Friesen, and Ed Miller.
Presentations: James Barnes moved that 1 year of KOS membership be given to those who present papers, and registration fees for that meeting be waived, beginning in 1997; motion seconded and carried. Chuck Otte moved that the Student Awards Committee present subscriptions to two ornithological magazines (North American Ornithological, and AOU/American Ornithological Union) to one student presenter. This motion was seconded and carried.
Bulletin: Max Thompson thinks he has sufficient material for the December issue, including a story on Madge Hilbish, who recently left a sum of money to KOS through her will. He has other material for the March issue, also.
Internet: Chuck Otte plans to have a shortened version of the Horned Lark on-line; he hopes to be able to include advertisements in the printed Newsletter. There is a KOS Web page.
Conservation: John Schukman and Greg Farley discussed "Partners in Flight", stating that a full-time coordinator was desirable. Funding comes from State Fish and Wildlife, cooperating with NE. They encourage KOS members to host beginning birding trips, putting into the newsletter plans for what/when/where.
Bird Records Committee (BRC): The bird identification contest at this meeting is a welcome sign of more publicity for the Committee. The BRC selects ten best birds of the year, and solicits more documented reports; voting can be done electronically now, which is much faster than in the past. Taken from "How to Write a Documentation: Take field notes; Use the form for basics of who/what/when/where; Describe the relative size and shape; List any striking feature; Compare the colors of feet and beak; Describe relevant parts, behavior, movements; Describe any vocalizations; Include sketches, a photo or video; Use only enough detail to make the point'' .....Galen Pittman, KBRC Secretary
Newspaper column: Richard Johnston believes none of his six Bird of the Month articles have been printed in a state-wide newspaper. He has prepared columns on the Sandhill Crane, Red-tailed Hawk, and Purple Martin, in addition to the first three of meadowlark, robin, and Horned Lark. continued next page
Did you see a good bird, an unusual bird, a common bird out of season or 'out of location?' Be sure to call the KOS Hotline at 316-229-2777.
Did you see a REALLY good bird?? Take the time to complete a KBRC Official Report form and send it to Dave Rintoul, 1124 Woodland, Manhattan, KS 66502. A KBRC report form was in the March, 1997 Horned Lark (pg. 17) and can also be found on the KOS World Wide Web homepage at http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~drintoul/kos. Click on the Rare Bird Record Committee menu option.
- 3 - KOS Board Meeting Minutes, continued
Hot-line: Scott Seltman has resigned as the Rare Bird Alert Hot-line coordinator, after seven years. Chuck Otte moved that Gene Young of Winfield fill this position. He will be reimbursed the initial charge of $50 hook-up costs. Motion seconded and carried; the present phone number will remain active until the next news-letter reports the new number for this service.
KOS Meetings: Pete Jantzen is coordinating plans for a spring meeting May 1-3 in Medicine Lodge, and for area field trips. Specific information will be available by February 1.
The mid-winter board meeting will be February 28. The fall 1998 meeting is October 2-4 in Lawrence at the KU Museum. This will be a celebration of 50 years.
The spring 1999 meeting is planned for Winfield, the fall 1999 at Hays; the spring 2000 meeting is planned for Pittsburg. A joint meeting with OK is a future possibility, perhaps in the spring 2000.
Ideas and suggestions for future meetings are welcomed and can be given to the officers. Meeting adjourned.
/s/Karen Ganoung Corresponding Secretary Kansas Ornithological Society KOS Annual Meeting Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita 4 October 1997, Saturday, 4:35 pm
New Board Members: Gene Young and Jim Mayhew were elected new board members. Susan Barnes was elected the new membership secretary, replacing Margaret Wedge, who wished to resign her position.
Student Research Fund: A written report from Tom Shane was distributed, including a detailed financial record from 10/1/90 to 7/30/97. Also of interest were the names of research grant recipients. Funds from the current Silent Auction will go to the Student Research Fund. ($553...kg) Of the five students funded, three presented papers. Financial help and suggestions from KOS members is requested.
Finance Recommendations: The report presented earlier by Max Thompson and his committee was approved.
Hot-line: Those in attendance expressed thanks and appreciation to the out-going coordinator, Scott Seltman. The meeting stood adjourned.
/s/ Karen Ganoung KOS Corresponding Secretary 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting KU Museum of Natural History October 9 - 11, 1998 Lawrence, Kansas Special Events - Special Guests
Remember KOS.... If you would like to help the Kansas Ornithological Society's future growth consider leaving a memorial trust for the Society or including the KOS in your will. If you would like more information feel free to contact any of the Board Members.
- 4 - Teaming With Wildlife Update by Ken Brunson
There are over TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED Kansas TWW Coalition Members organizations and businesses endorsing Teaming With Kansas Ornithological Society Wildlife (TWW). In Kansas there are now 32 groups Great Plains Nature Center (listed next column) The Kansas Ornithological Society is Wild Bird Center, 2250 Rock Rd., Wichita one of them. For Kansas, one of the most important recent Wild Birds Unlimited, Wichita companies to jump on this wildlife wagon is Orscheln Wild Bird Center, 8414 W. 13th, Wichita Farm and Home, Inc. Orscheln sells bird seed and a Leavenworth Audubon Society variety of other wildlife feed and supplies and has two Kansas Quality Hardwood & Flooring Center dozen retail outlets in Kansas. If you have an Orscheln Kansas Wildlife Federation store in your area be sure to stop in and say thanks to Olathe Community Sportsman's Club them. Thanks to Carol Cumberland, we have also recently Kanza Audubon Society had two Wild Bird Center stores and Wild Birds Unlimited North American Falconers Association (national) all of Wichita join ranks. Additionally, Kansas Quality Smoky Hills Audubon Society Hardwood & Flooring Center in Wichita recently joined Kansas Canoe Association the TWW effort. Burroughs Audubon Society Geary County Fish and Game Association The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Kansas Wildflower Society Agencies is on the verge of lining up some very important Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society bi-partisan sponsorship and has decided that it is worth Pure Water for Kansas waiting in order to shore up this support prior to bill Kansas Chapter of the Sierra Club introduction. There are a number of manufacturers and Topeka Audubon Society retailers besides organizations that depend on wildlife and Southeast Kansas Chapter of the Audubon Society have profited from wildlife programs. These include Kansas Audubon Council bird-oriented stores, outdoor equipment suppliers, and Wichita Audubon Society many sporting goods stores. The best support for Teaming Jayhawk Audubon Society With Wildlife could be shown by letting views be known Kansas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society to our Congressional delegation. For politicians wishing Kansas Herpetological Society to get “greener”, Teaming offers an excellent opportunity. Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Here's what to do: (1) write your congressman and tell him Friends of Smoots Creek you support Teaming With Wildlife as a logical, “user Washburn College Republicans pay” concept to support wildlife viewing, education, and Organization of Fish and Wildlife recreation programs in Kansas, and (2) contact Leann Information Managers (national) Harrell, Kansas Audubon Council, 12615 School Creek American Fisheries Society-Introduced Rd., St. George, KS 66535-9712 Phone: 913-494-2556 for Fishes Section (national) more information. Wild Bird Crossing, Salina
Deadline for submissions for the June, 1998 Horned Lark is May 10, 1998.
- 5 - Kansas Ornithological Society 12-31-97 Balance Sheet Edwin J. Miller, Treasurer
Assets... Restricted Funds Book Royalty Fund $10,204.44 Dingus Natural Area 8,065.98 Endowment 56,467.40 Future Dues 390.00 Life Membership 18,272.00 Student Research Fund 1084.74
Assets... Unrestricted Funds Business Manager $58.71 General Fund 2,858.56 Southwestern College 18.57 Total Assets $97,420.40
Liabilities 1997 Dues & Interest $6,176.98 1997 Income 2,424.46 Expenses (7,030.87) Future Dues Cap 390.00 Restricted Funds Cap 94,291.64 Retained Income 2,522.65 Scholarships (1,355.00) Total Liabilities $97,419.86
In February 1998, KOS received a partial distribution from the estate of Phyllis J. Henney amounting to $3,300. Ms. Henney had been a KOS member since 1969 and was well known in the Topeka area. Look for more information on Ms. Henney and this bequest in future KOS publications.
It's Never Too Early....
The fall meeting of the Kansas Ornithological Society will be here before we know it. There is an active committee hard at work in Lawrence and at KU getting ready for this very special event. This would be a good time to start thinking about what items you want to contribute to the 1998 KOS Silent Auction. Anything bird related is acceptable - be creative!
This year it is important that you contact Susan Barnes (316-265-4059 or [email protected]) and tell her what you intend to submit. Susan is trying to have all the bid sheets and item information prepared in advance. Walk-in items will be accepted but prior notification would be preferred. For more information, or if you have questions, call or e-mail Susan - she loves to answer questions!
Don't forget those dates - October 9, 10 & 11, 1998, University of Kansas, Lawrence Kansas
- 6 - - - The Plant Connection Hummingbirds in Kansas The Perspective of a Novice by Don Kazmaier
If three years ago, you had told me what I'm about to tell store. Our favorite is How to Attract Hummingbirds and you now, it would have been hard to believe. One Butterflies by Ortho. When reading these articles and hummingbird was all that this writer had ever seen in books, bear in mind that what you're about to plant has nearly fifty years of residence in this state. That being said, distinct timing as to when it blooms. Also consider that this fall (1997) we recorded a record number of 22 perennials should be hardy for zones 5/6. Because of this, hummers IN OUR YARD! Not withstanding that, one, a in Kansas it is difficult to have flowers when the first female broadtail had never before been reported in Pawnee hummers come through in early spring (late March - more County. So what's the catch? No catch at all. A very likely early April) With this in mind, we've only found one intense program of planting on our lot (87' x 150') has consistent bloomer that time of year the good old Trumpet proven that even in old dusty, hot, inhospitable Kansas, Honeysuckle. Not only does this guy start trying to bloom hummers do exist. The "catch" is in providing them in early (March) spring, he stays in bloom until late fall something to first make them stop, and second to make after the first killing frost. Very hardy, this vine can take them stay for awhile (about 2 days in the spring to 7 - 10 light frosts and continue to produce. days in the fall). Our first fall hummer arrived August 9, 1997. The female By no means do I consider myself an expert, only one who Broadtail arrived August 20. Noteworthy for amateurs like loves hummingbirds, and was naive enough to believe what myself, is that the male birds normally arrive first, followed I read in books about hummers. Book after book related of by the females and last by the immatures. Our last bird (a attracting hummers with their favorite flowers. To say I mature female Ruby-throat) departed October 26, 1997. was skeptical was the understatement of the year. But Our early cold weather this year seemed to cause an early because my wife Kathy is a butterfly and flower nut, we departure, as last year (1996) we had fall birds well into decided to pursue a planting program to attract hummers November, even after it had snowed! One other comment and butterflies. If nothing came, we would have at least here may be necessary if your not experienced with decorated the yard! hummers. They don't feed continuously. So grab yourself a comfortable chair, and watch. There average feeding cycle But did they ever come! The first year was fairly sparse, in Larned seems to be about every 10 - 15 minutes if not since many of the perennials were just beginning to get a disturbed. foothold. One hummer that first spring came to a feeder briefly. That fall, we were encouraged when we actually Should you be interested, I firmly believe you can attract saw "our hummer" chase a second bird away from the hummers to your backyard. If you live in a community that feeder. This year (1997) spring again only produced three has avid flower gardeners, so much the better for your birds. But, one of these was a mature male Ruby-throat. opportunity to be successful. Since the majority of our Hoping that possibly we had been discovered, we threw hummers are migratory, keying your flower production to ourselves into a more serious study of the "books" and an those times is mandatory. Although the hummers will accelerated planting program. As stated at the beginning, readily come to feeders, their real preference is the flowers. you already know the results of our efforts. There were times when a week would pass without seeing a hummer at a feeder because they were using the various The plants that have proven most effective for us in order flowers exclusively. Also, do NOT take your feeders down of preference by the hummers are: Trumpet Honeysuckle when you think the birds should be going south, they know (Lonicera sempervirens), Cardinal Climber (Ipomea)*, when! You may just save some little guy who's late from Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia Leucantha), Penstemmon (any starving to death, especially if it's after a hard freeze and variety tagged in your gardening book to attract hummers), the bugs and flowers are both gone. (Yes, they eat bugs, Salvia*, Pineapple Sage (Salvia Elegans), and many more gnats is more like it. One of our odd ball drawing cards [* indicates annuals.] Understand that this is not a was our vegetable garden. The hummers not only liked the complete list of plants earmarked to attract hummers, only gnats and other small flying insects but even tried the what has so far worked for us. We still have many other blooms on the tomato plants!) Our ultimate goal is to plants that have yet to bloom and prove their potential. I continue to provide habitat to encourage hummers to spend would recommend any book you can lay your hands on the summer and raise little ones. Should you be interested about hummers and attracting them. There are several we're home at: Don Kazmaier, 1111 Main, Larned, KS, good ones as close as your local discount store or book 67550, 316-285-2970.
- 7 - FALL ROUND-UP 1 August through 30 November, 1997 by Chris Hobbs
What happened to the post breeding wanderers this year? Sebastian Patti and Mike Rader were in a state lister’s As Mark Robbins pointed out, very few 1st and 2nd year dilemma while birding at Point of Rocks in Morton Little Blue Herons were present at Quivira NWR in early County on 8 November – relocate that female Western and mid-August, when large numbers are normally Bluebird that just flew by, or pay attention to those 3 large expected. No reports were received of sizable ravens soaring with that ‘little’ Red-tailed Hawk?! They congregations of large waders in general. opted for the latter, documenting three Common Ravens for Kansas! Little wind shifts from the south to the north during September always produce excitement! After a week of Without a doubt, the birding prize was Mike Rader’s southerly winds, a shift to the north brought migrants discovery of a Long-billed Murrelet on 21 November at pouring through the state beginning 20 September. Wilson Reservoir! Early birders caught sight of the little Grebes, raptors, shorebirds, and many passerines moved Asian alcid the following day, but latecomers settled for through the state during the third week. Pete Janzen leftovers, as the bird vanished sometime during the described ‘clouds’ of Vesper Sparrows, as thousands were afternoon of 22 November. grounded in Morton County alone! Thanks to all who contributed reports directly, or After balmy temperatures during the first half of October, indirectly through the KSBIRD Listserve and KOS a northwest cold front marched across Kansas beginning Hotline! Both of these resources are invaluable aids for 13 October. What followed over the next 2-3 day period compiling bird sightings in the state, and thanks goes to was a massive movement of birds! The first wave of Chuck Otte, Scott Seltman, and Gene Young for creating southbound Sandhill and Whooping Cranes appeared in and maintaining these important data gathering and central Kansas, and hundreds of thousands of Franklin’s distributing services! Also, our thanks should go to the Gulls brought up the rear. The front apparently pushed members of the Kansas Bird Records Committee for their Western Bluebirds into the southwest, where three careful review and analysis of rarity reports, and for individual reports were received. Baird’s Sparrows also maintaining lofty standards that provide clean, valid data! extended east of their typical migration path, and Finally, I especially wish to thank Pete Janzen for agreeing Ammodramus sparrows in general made a good showing, to take over this reporting job beginning next issue! Good with respectable counts of the normally elusive Nelson’s birding! As always, all sightings are tentative pending Sharp-tailed and LeConte’s, particularly at Slate Creek action by the Bird Records Committee. Wetlands.
SPECIES LOCATION OBSERVER(S) DATE(S) COUNTY
Red-throated Loon 1 – Clinton Lake Powell, m.ob 10-25/11-08 Douglas
Pacific Loon 1 – Wilson Reservoir Janzen, et al 11-22 Russell 1 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 11-26 Russell 1 – Wilson Reservoir Seltman, et al 11-28 Russell
Common Loon 2 – Pottawatomie Co. Lake Hedinger 10-29 Pottawatomie 2 – Wilson Rsvr. Rader 10-29 Russell
Pied-billed Grebe 66 – Wyandotte Co. Lake Moore 09-20 Wyandotte
Horned Grebe 9 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Janzen, et al 09-21 Seward 5 – Harvey Co. East Lake Dester 10-27 Harvey 20 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 10-29 Russell
- 8 - Eared Grebe 6 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Janzen, et al 09-21 Seward
Western Grebe 5 pair at Lake McKinney Dunn 08-22 Kearny 5 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 10-29 Russell 3 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 11-03 Russell 3 – Cheney Lake Janzen, et al 11-07 Sedgwick 1 – Harvey Co. East Lake Dester 11-08 Harvey 1 – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al 11-22 Stafford 4 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 11-26 Russell 1 – Wilson Reservoir Seltman, et al 11-28 Russell
Clark’s Grebe 1 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 10-29 Russell 2 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 11-03 Russell
American Bittern 1 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford 2 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-07 Sumner 1 – Quivira NWR Regier 11-20 Stafford
Snowy Egret 10 – Tuttle Creek Hedinger 08-13 Riley 120 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford 5 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-07 Sumner
Little Blue Heron 1 ad. along Cimarron R. Percival 08-29 Morton 20 imm. Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-02 Sumner 35 imm. – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-07 Sumner
Tri-colored Heron 1 – Quivira NWR Hicks 09-27 Stafford
Cattle Egret 75+ - Wilson Reservoir Rader 09-19 Russell 300 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford
Yellow-crowned Night Heron 1 juv. – Lake McKinney Dunn 08-22 Kearny 2 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-07 Sumner
White-faced Ibis 1 – near Colwich Janzen 09-08 Sedgwick 30 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford 4 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young, Thompson 10-02 Sumner
Turkey Vulture 1 – near La Cygne McHugh 11-15 Linn 1 – near Lawrence J & E Zellmer 11-23 Douglas
Greater White-fronted Goose 50,000 – Quivira NWR Hilley, manager 11-01 Stafford
Ross’ Goose 1 – John Redmond Rsvr. F Young, Brobisky 10-24 Coffey 1 – Pawnee Co. 1st ? Seltman 11-09 Pawnee
Trumpeter Swan 1 – Lake McKinney Nonhof, et al 11-20 Kearny
Tundra Swan 1 ad. – Alma Sewage Ponds LaShelle 11-01/02 Wabaunsee 3 – Quivira NWR Seltman 11-15 Stafford 3 still present – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al 11-22 Stafford
Mottled Duck 1 male – Nature Conservancy prop. Seltman 08-07 Barton
Cinnamon Teal 1 – Colwich Wetlands Janzen, Hicks, Schwab 08-24/30 Sedgwick - 9 - Surf Scoter 1 fem. – Lake Wabaunsee sew. pond LaShelle 11-02 Wabaunsee 7 – Lake Quivira Cooper 11-08 Johnson 1 – Lake Wabaunsee LaShelle 11-08 Wabaunsee
White-winged Scoter 1 – Milford Lake Otte 10-21 Geary 1- Cheyenne Bottoms Janzen, et al 11-22 Barton 1- Wilson Reservoir Rader 11-26 Russell 1 fem – Wilson Reservoir Seltman, et al 11-28 Russell
Black Scoter 1 male – Tuttle Creek Rsvr. Cable 10-26 Riley 2 – Pottawatomie Co. Lake #2 Runco 11-11 Pottawatomie
Oldsquaw 5 (3 fem, 2 males) - Quivira NWR Robbins, et al 11-07 Stafford 5 still present – Quivira NWR Seltman 11-15 Stafford 1 – Wilson Reservoir Rucker, Ottes 11-23 Russell 1 – Wilson Reservoir Seltman, et al 11-28 Russell
Common Goldeneye 12 – new arrivals at Wilson Rsvr. Rader 10-29 Russell
Red-breasted Merganser 3 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 11-03 Russell 1 – fem. at Wilson Reservoir m. ob. 11-22 Russell 17 – Winfield City Lake Thompson 11-23 Cowley 10 – Winfield City Lake Thompson 11-28 Cowley
Osprey 1 – Wyandotte Co. Lake Moore 10-25 Wyandotte
Mississippi Kite 1 – summered in Prairie Village Leo 08-21 Johnson 50 migrants at Cheyenne Bottoms Land, et al 08-30 Barton 1 – Liberal Janzen, et al 09-21 Seward 23 imm. – Garden City Shane 09-27 Finney
Northern Harrier 100+ in Pawnee Co. Seltman 10-07 Pawnee
Cooper’s Hawk 1 – Towanda Broyles 08-14 Butler 1 – Greensburg Broyles 08-18 Butler 1 – imm near Towanda Broyles 08-19 Butler
Northern Goshawk 1 ad – near Lenora Seltman 10-22 Norton
Red-shouldered Hawk 1 – near Ark R. at OK border Janzen 09-01 Cowley 1 – Quivira NWR Seltman, Rader 11-15 Stafford
Broad-winged Hawk 1 – along Cimarron R. Percival, Rader, et al 09-14 Morton 1 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 09-17 Russell 1 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 09-19 Russell 10 (incl. 1 dark morph) – Mulvane Hicks 09-29 Sumner
Swainson’s Hawk 40+ roosting in Seltman’s yard Seltman 09-14 Rush 325 – bean fields near Walnut R. Young, Thompson 10-08 Cowley
Ferruginous Hawk 1 – Cheyenne Bottoms Land, et al 08-30 Barton 1 – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al 11-22 Stafford
Golden Eagle 1 – Butler Co. Broyles 11-20 Butler 1 – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al11-22 Stafford - 10 - Merlin 1 – Harvey Co. West Park Friesen, Hesed 09-28 Harvey 1 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Janzen, et al 09-21 Seward 1 – Cheyenne Bottoms Thompson, Young, et al 11-04 Barton 1 – Lake Afton Janzen, et al 11-15 Sedgwick
Peregrine Falcon 1 – dark individual – Chey. Btms. Patti, Preston, Siglar, et al 09-11 Barton
Scaled Quail 10 – near Elkhart Janzen, et al 09-20 Morton
Yellow Rail 1 – Baker Wetlands Kluza, Bostwick 10-18 Douglas
Common Moorhen 2 – Cheyenne Bottoms Thompson, Young, et al 11-04 Barton 1 – Quivira NWR – late record Robbins 11-07 Stafford
Sandhill Crane 1st southbound wave over Rush Seltman 10-15 Rush 90,000 – Quivira NWR Hilley, manager 11-01 Stafford 1000’s present – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al 11-22 Stafford
Whooping Crane 1 – 1st report – Cheyenne Bottoms Smeltzer 10-16 Barton 3 – near Wichita Northrup 10-23 Sedgwick 13 – Quivira NWR Hilley, manager 10-25 Stafford 4 ad – Garden City Shane 10-26 Finney 1 – flying over sw. Rush Co. Seltman 10-26 Rush 4 – Quivira NWR-late! Regier 11-04 Stafford
Black-bellied Plover 1 - Clinton Lake McHugh & Fisher 08-02 Douglas 3 – Tuttle Creek Hedinger 08-13 Riley 3 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Janzen, et al 09-21 Seward 2 – Quivira NWR Beckemeyer 11-07 Stafford
Snowy Plover 30 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford
Semipalmated Plover 8 – Wichita Janzen 08-10 Sedgwick 1 – Lake Shawnee Arbesy 10-27 Shawnee
American Avocet 42 – Wilson Rsvr. Rader 10-21 Russell 2 – Quivira NWR Robbins 11-07 Stafford 7 – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al 11-22 Stafford
Greater Yellowlegs 1 – Quivira NWR Regier 11-20 Stafford
Solitary Sandpiper 7 – pond near Derby Janzen 08-04 Sedgwick 1 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young, Thompson 10-02 Sumner 1 – near Lawrence Robbins 10-18/22 Douglas
Upland Sandpiper 100’s – Great Bend & Quivira Robbins 08-10 Barton/Stafford
Whimbrel 8 – pond near Derby Hicks 08-04 Sedgwick
Long-billed Curlew 1 – Quivira NWR McNeill 09-14 Stafford 2 – Quivira NWR – late! Janzen, Vannoy 11-04 Stafford
Marbled Godwit 6 – Quivira NWR Land, et al 08-31 Stafford 1 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Siglar, et al 09-12 Seward
- 11 - Ruddy Turnstone 1 – Liberal Sewer Lake – Co. 1st Thompson 08-31 Seward
Red Knot 16 – pond near Derby Hicks 08-04 Sedgwick 14 – pond near Derby Janzen 08-05 Sedgwick 1 – basic plumage – Colwich Janzen 08-24 Sedgwick
Sanderling 1 – pond near Derby Janzen 08-04 Sedgwick 1 – Elkhart sewage ponds Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton 24 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford 1 – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al 11-04 Stafford
Semipalmated Sandpiper 104 (!) – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-07 Sumner
Least Sandpiper 577 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-07 Sumner
Baird’s Sandpiper 3 – Quivira NWR Robbins 11-23 Stafford
Dunlin 2 – Fish Farms at Lawrence Moore 10-28 Douglas 28 – Quivira NWR Thompson, Young, et al11-04 Stafford
Buff-breasted Sandpiper 1 - Ferguson Marsh, Perry Lake McHugh, Fisher 08-02 Jefferson 1 – pond near Derby Hicks, Janzen 08-04/05 Sedgwick 2 – sod farms near Stilwell McHugh 08-22 Johnson 4 – Colwich Wetlands Janzen 08-24 Sedgwick
Short-billed Dowitcher 1 – nw Wichita Janzen 08-03 Sedgwick 1 – Elkhart sewage ponds Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton 2 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford
Long-billed Dowitcher 10 – Quivira NWR Rader 09-27 Stafford 25 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-07 Sumner
Common Snipe 50 – Fish Farms at Lawrence Moore 10-28 Douglas
American Woodcock 1 – Osage Nature Trail Dester 10-26 Harvey
Red-necked Phalarope 1 juv. North of Garden City Dunn 08-21/22 Finney 1 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Thompson, et al 08-31 Seward 2 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Patti, Preston, et al 09-12 Seward 10 – Quivira NWR Hobbs, Patti, Preston 09-15 Stafford 16 – Liberal’s Sewer Lake Janzen, et al 09-21 Seward
Franklin’s Gull (1 albino) – Cheney Rsvr. Northrup 10-23 Sedgwick 100,000+ - John Redmond Rsvr. F Young, Brobisky 10-24 Coffey 500,000 – Cheney Rsvr. Janzen 10-24 Sedgwick
Bonaparte’s Gull 300 – Clinton Lake Moore 10-28 Douglas
California Gull 1 – Basic II – Clinton Lake McHugh/Swalwell 11-08/09 Douglas
Sabine’s Gull 1 - 1st year – Cheyenne Bottoms Siglar, Percival, et al 09-11 Barton 1 - 1st year – Quivira NWR Hobbs, Patti, Preston 09-15/27 Stafford
Common Tern 7 imm. – Clinton Lake McHugh, Pittman, Seibel 10-11 Douglas
- 12 - Long-Billed Murrelet 1 – Wilson Rsvr. – 1st state record Rader, m.ob 11-21/22 Russell
Eurasian Collared-Dove 2-3 in Goodland – still present Cable, m.ob 08-09 Sherman
White-Winged Dove 1 at feeder in Hutchinson (photos)Willbanks 08-30/09-15 Reno
Inca Dove 1 – in Wichita since first of year Gilmore, m.ob thru 09-02 Sedgwick 1 – Elkhart Rader, et al 09-13 Morton 2 – Elkhart R & L Smith 10-25/31 Morton
Western Screech-Owl 2 – along Cimarron R. at CO border Patti, et al 08-29 Morton 1 – along Cimarron R. at CO border Patti, et al 09-12 Morton
Long-eared Owl 1 – work station at Cimarron NG Rakestraw 08-11 Morton 1 – suburban Topeka Brier 11-02 Shawnee
Chuck-will’s-Widow 1 – KSU Horticultural Center Janzen 09-09 Sedgwick
Archilochus, sp. 1 fem at Elkhart Giddens residence 08-30 Morton 1 – Elkhart Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 1 ad male at Liberal Patti 08-31 Seward
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird 1 female at Larned Kazmaier 08-20/22 Pawnee
Rufous Hummingbird 1 ad male in Winfield Steiners 08-31/09-02 Sumner 1 – north Wichita McFarland 09-12/14 Sedgwick 1 – Overland Park Taylor, Garrett, Leo 11-20/30 Johnson
Lewis’ Woodpecker 1 – Yocemento Kraus, m.ob 10-28/11-04 Ellis
Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1 male – Middle Spg, Cimarron NG Seltman 10-18 Morton 2 – near Point of Rocks Patti, Rader 11-10 Morton
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 – near Newton Dester 08-10 Harvey 1 – Emporia Trelc 08-17 Lyon 1 – Cheyenne Bottoms Kluza, Watson 08-18 Barton 1 – near Arkansas R. at OK border Janzen 09-01 Cowley
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 2 – Marais des Cygne WA McHugh 09-06 Linn 4 – Wyandotte Co. Lake Moore 09-10 Wyandotte
Hammond’s Flycatcher 2 – Elkhart alley Janzen, et al 09-20 Morton
Dusky Flycatcher 1 – North Fork Percival, Rader, et al 09-13 Morton
Gray Flycatcher 1 – work station, Cimarron NG Percival 08-28 Morton 1 – Boy Scout area, Cimarron NG Vannoy, et al 09-14 Morton 1 – Boy Scout area, Cimarron NG Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton
Cordilleran Flycatcher 1 – Elkhart Cemetery shelterbelt Patti, et al 08-29 Morton 1 – North Fork of Cimarron R. Patti, et al 08-30 Morton 10+ total observed in county Thompson, et al 08-30 Morton 1 – work station near Elkhart Siglar 09-14 Morton
- 13 - Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 – below Point of Rocks Rakestraw 08-11 Morton 1 – Marais des Cygne – pend MBRC McHugh 09-06 Linn
Cassin’s Kingbird 1 – Middle Spgs, Cimarron NG Patti, Siglar, et al 09-12 Morton
Western Kingbird 50+ migrants – Great Bend area Robbins 08-08 Barton 300+ migrants – near Elkhart Thompson, et al 08-30 Morton only 3 left! - near Elkhart Thompson, et al 08-31 Morton 4 – near Elkhart Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton
Eastern Kingbird 50+ migrants – Great Bend area Robbins 08-08 Barton 100’s migrating – Tuttle Creek Cable 08-30/31 Riley
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 1 – Olathe Arbesy 10-28 Johnson
Northern Shrike 1 juv – near Lenora Seltman 10-22 Norton 1 adult near Larned Seltman 10-28 Pawnee 1 adult – Rozel Seltman 11-04 Pawnee 1 adult – Wilson Reservoir Rader 11-16 Russell 1 adult – Wilson Reservoir Seltman, et al 11-28 Russell
Blue-headed Vireo 1 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 09-21 Russell 10+ – Maple Grove Cemetery Gresham 09-24 Sedgwick
Cassin’s Vireo 2 – Elkhart Cemetery shelterbelt Preston, Percival, et al 09-12 Morton
Warbling Vireo 10+ - Chisholm Creek Park Janzen 09-12 Sedgwick
Philadelphia Vireo 3 – Cheyenne Bottoms Land 08-30 Barton 1 – Chisholm Creek Park Janzen 09-12 Sedgwick 1 – Woodson Co. State Fishing Lk. Schwab 09-25 Woodson
Blue Jay 400+ - Slate Creek Wetlands Young, Thompson 10-02 Sumner
Common Raven 3 – Point of Rocks Patti, Rader 11-08 Morton
Purple Martin 100’s migrating – Tuttle Creek Cable 09-01 Riley
Carolina Chickadee 3 – Meade State Lake Janzen, et al 09-21 Meade
Bushtit a few in Elkhart Patti, Rader 11-08 Morton
Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 – Junction City Cemetery Otte 09-04 Geary
White-breasted Nuthatch ‘high’ numbers along Cimarron R. Seltman 10-18 Morton
Canyon Wren 1 – Point of Rocks Vannoy, et al 09-14 Morton
Carolina Wren 1 – St. Francis Rueb 11-15/16 Cheyenne
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12 – Wyandotte Co. Lake Moore 09-20 Wyandotte
Western Bluebird 1 female – Bear Creek Seltman 10-18 Stanton 1 – Elkhart sewage ponds R & L Smith 10-20 Morton 1 female – Point of Rocks Patti 11-08 Morton - 14 - Mountain Bluebird a few migrants near Elkhart Seltman 10-18 Morton 3 – Wilson Reservoir Hicks 11-23 Russell
Hermit Thrush 1 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 10-21 Russell
Varied Thrush 1 - Elkhart R & L Smith 10-27 Morton
Sage Thrasher 1 – Middle Spg, Cimarron NG McNeill, et al 09-16 Morton 1 – nw of Larned Seltman 09-21 Pawnee
Curve-billed Thrasher 1 – near work station Vannoy, et al 09-14 Morton 1 – near work station Janzen, et al 09-20 Morton
Sprague’s Pipit a few northwest of Larned Seltman 09-30 Pawnee
Blue-winged Warbler 1 imm. – Marais des Cygne WA McHugh 09-06 Linn
Golden-winged Warbler 1 – along River Road Plinsky, McDowells 09-23 Shawnee
Tennessee Warbler 2 – Chisholm Creek Park Janzen 09-22 Sedgwick 1 – Grantville Volmut 09-28 Jefferson
Nashville Warbler 25 – Wyandotte Co. Lake Moore 09-20 Wyandotte
Yellow-rumped Warbler 100’s at Wyandotte Co. Lake Moore 10-25 Wyandotte
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1 – work station Percival 08-28 Morton 1 – work station Patti, Percival et al 09-12 Morton
Black-throated Green Warbler 25+ – Maple Grove Cemetery Janzen 09-25 Sedgwick
Pine Warbler 1 – near Newton Dester 08-02 Harvey 1 – Richardson Zoo, Garden City Dunn 08-22 Finney 1 – McPherson Valley Wetland Hicks, Schwab 08-31 McPherson 1 – Maple Grove Cemetery Gresham 09-24 Sedgwick
Blackpoll Warbler 1 – Boy Scout area, Cimarron NG Cable, Percival, et al 09-12 Morton
Cerulean Warbler 1 imm. at Marais des Cygne WA McHugh 08-22 Linn
Mourning Warbler 2 – Junction City Cemetery Otte 09-04 Geary 1 – Marais des Cygne WA McHugh 09-06 Linn 2 – Wilson Reservoir Rader 09-21 Russell 1 – Grantville Volmut 09-28 Jefferson
Hooded Warbler 1 imm male at Perry Lake McHugh 08-09 Jefferson
Canada Warbler 1 – Wolf Creek Power Lake Trelc 08-31 Coffey 5 – Marais des Cygne WA McHugh 09-06 Linn 1 – Elkhart Cemetery shelterbelt Percival, et al 09-12 Morton 1 – Maple Grove Cemetery Gresham 09-24 Sedgwick
Scarlet Tanager 1 female – Maple Grove Cemetery Janzen 09-25 Sedgwick
Western Tanager 1 imm. at Cimarron R. near Elkhart Kluza, Watson 08-17 Morton - 15 - Green-tailed Towhee 1 – Elkhart alley Janzen, et al 09-20 Morton
Eastern Towhee 1 male – Seltman’s yard Seltman 10-22 Rush 1 – Wyandotte Co. Lake Moore 10-25 Wyandotte
Spotted Towhee 5 – Chisholm Creek Park fide Janzen 09-29 Sedgwick
American Tree Sparrow 4 – Rush County Seltman 09-24 Rush
Vesper Sparrow 1000’s of grounded migrants Janzen, et al 09-20 Morton
Baird’s Sparrow 2 – Harvey Co. East Lake Trail Janzen, Dester 10-14 Harvey 1 – near Topeka Koontz, Frey 10-21 Shawnee
LeConte’s Sparrow 9 – Milford Reservoir Cable, Otte 10-17 Geary 2 – Rush County Seltman 10-27 Rush 17 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-28 Sumner
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow 2 – Milford Lake Otte 10-03 Geary ‘ several’ – Slate Creek Wetlands Thompson, et al 10-23 Sumner 4 – Slate Creek Wetlands Hicks 10-26 Sumner 6 – Slate Creek Wetlands Young 10-28 Sumner
Dark-eyed Junco 1st of the fall – Harvey Co. West Pk. Friesen, Hesed 09-28 Harvey
‘White-Winged’ Junco 1 – banded in Winfield Thompson 11-25 Cowley
Lapland Longspur 10,000 – Rush Co. Seltman 11-15 Rush
Smith’s Longspur 2 – Melvern Rsvr. – Eisenhower SP Brier 10-29 Coffey
Chestnut-collared Longspur‘many’ migrants heard overhead Seltman 10-18 Morton/Stanton
Northern Cardinal 1 juv being fed by adult – Elkhart Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton
Black-headed Grosbeak 1 female – Elkhart Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton
Lazuli Bunting 1 – Middle Spring, Cimarron NG Janzen, et al 09-20 Morton
Painted Bunting 1 ad. male – K-96 bridge in Wichita Barnes, Janzen 08-09/10 Sedgwick
Dickcissel 3 – overhead migrants - Elkhart Janzen, et al 09-21 Morton
Bobolink 1 LATE imm. male – Lawrence Robbins 11-09 Douglas
Orchard Oriole 100+ near Elkhart Thompson, et al 08-30 Morton
Bullock’s Oriole 1 – Mulvane Hicks 09-09 Sedgwick
Purple Finch 2 – Clinton Lake Moore 10-28 Douglas
Red Crossbill 1 fly over – Elkhart Patti 08-30 Morton
White-Winged Crossbill 1 – Olathe Arnett, m. ob 11-10/17 Johnson
- 16 - Common Redpoll 1 – early fall record – Lawrence Robbins 11-09 Douglas
Evening Grosbeak 4 early migrants – west Wichita Northrup 09-30 Sedgwick
OBSERVERS: Michael Arbesy, Debarah Arnett, James Barnes, Pat & Roy Beckemeyer, Kim Bostwick, Joanne Brier, Curtis Brobisky, Bob Broyles, Ted Cable, Mike Cooper, Bob Dester, Jon Dunn, Greg Farley, Bob Fisher, John Frey, Gregg Friesen, JoAnne Garrett, Chet Gresham, Chod Heddinger, Larry Hesed, Tyler Hicks, Dave Hilley, Chris Hobbs, Pete Janzen, Don Kazmaier, Dan Kluza, Glen Koontz, Charlie Kraus, Mark Land, Dan LaShelle, Nancy Leo, Erin & Kathy McDowell, Jane McFarland, Mick McHugh, Roger McNeill, Lloyd Moore, Art Nonhof, John Northrup, Chuck & Jaye Otte, Sebastian Patti, Brandon Percival, Galen Pittman, Marie Plinksy, Alexis Powell, Eric Preston, Mike Rader, John Rakestraw, Bob Regier, Mark Robbins, Richard Rucker, Chad Runco, Carolyn Schwab, David Seibel, Scott Seltman, Sara & Tom Shane, Andy Siglar, Keith Smeltzer, Ruth & Lawrence Smith, Joe Steiners, Art Swalwell, George Taylor, Max Thompson, Bill Trelc, Don Vannoy, Joyce Volmut, Dave Watson, Linda Willbanks, Fred Young, Gene Young, Jim & Ellen Zellmer.
Kansas Rare Bird Alert - 316-229-2777
Song Sparrow by James Barnes
- 17 - Bird Records - What Happens To Them? by Eugene A. Young, Hotline Compiler
All bird records assist ornithologist across the country in evidence or to write down detailed notes about the birds understanding the distribution of birds, their migrational we see. patterns, population status etc. To that extent all records are important. While each of us may collect bird records Perhaps the most important point of all of this is that all for different reasons (enjoyment, listing, hobby, records reported to the Roundups, RBA, and KBRC are profession etc.) one must keep in mind that all records, available for scientific scrutiny. All records that are sight, photo, video, specimen etc., are a valuable tool. received for the Roundup and RBA are saved and distributed to the various databases on Kansas birds, even Recent controversy over bird records is nothing new. if they are not included in the Newsletter or on the RBA. What is new is the number of people providing records, Sometimes records are deleted from these by mistake or the mechanism by which records are obtained (i.e. video), for specific purposes (for a variety of reasons). For and the way in which records are evaluated. In KOS example, on the RBA, people frequently call about their there are three main avenues to report bird records: 1) the Song Sparrows singing, or they provide a detailed list of bird roundups in the KOS Newsletter; 2) the KOS and 15 species of waterfowl with corresponding numbers and Southwestern College sponsored Rare Bird Alert (RBA); the only rare one is a Brant, which is the only one put on and 3) the Kansas Rare Bird Records Committee the hotline. I save all of these records and forward them (KBRC). I want to take a few moments to explain how so they can be put in one of the state's databases. records from each of these are obtained. As most of you know, Max C. Thompson and Charles Ely KOS Roundups -- Over the years several people (Scott have been documenting and working together on birds in Seltman, Chuck Otte, Chris Hobbs, and currently Pete Kansas for almost 40 years. Thompson and his students Janzen) have been involved in gathering records for the update county records via a database that was developed KOS Newsletter. These records can come from a variety for Kansas birds through a grant from the Kansas of sources: personal communication, letters, e-mail, the Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Chickadee Kansas List Serve, and the RBA. Most of these records Check-off Program. Ely continues to compile records are unconfirmed sight records. and add them to his database of Kansas birds at his retirement home in Texas. Many of their records come RBA -- The RBA was started in June 1984, by Marvin from those reported to the Round-up and RBA Schwilling. Scott Seltman took over responsibility in coordinators. In addition, some people are working on February 1990 and ran it until I took it over last fall. county checklist or certain taxa and records are Records for the RBA come from the hotline voice-mail, distributed to them as well. e-mail, Kansas List Serve, and personal communication. Most of these records are of unconfirmed sight records. KBRC records are also scrutinized by those working on county lists or state lists. All records, rejected or KBRC -- This committee was formed to help document accepted, are archived as well. A rejected record by the the occurrence of rare species in the state. It is a vigorous KBRC does not necessarily mean that a person(s) attempt to determine the status of species for which there working on a county list or those working on the state list are few records. Records are obtained from individuals will reject the record. Accepted KBRC records may even who fill out a form that is submitted to the KBRC be rejected by some. committee. The KBRC committee evaluates the All of this means, that ultimately, all records are subject documentation submitted and then votes on the record to to a certain degree of examination, albeit, some more determine if it is accepted or rejected. than others. Do not be dismayed if your record is rejected by KBRC, or omitted from the Roundups or the Knowing how these records are obtained is important, RBA. The data from each record is still used, it is not because it can help you in deciding how much effort you lost. Each and every KOS member has the opportunity to want to put into documenting a bird. Not all birders want add to the wealth of knowledge already known about KS to take time to photograph or to make lengthy reports on birds, but more is needed. So please continue to send in the rare birds they see. In an ideal world, I suppose we records to KOS because they play a key role in would all be happy to have the time to obtain the physical understanding ornithology in Kansas.
- 18 - - - a call for assistance The Oklahoma Breeding Bird Atlas Project
The Oklahoma Breeding Bird Atlas Project consists of a Sign up sheets and inquiries may be sent to: statewide survey of nesting birds which is conducted by volunteer birders. Atlas projects have been undertaken in Dan Reinking over 40 states and are usually conducted over a five-year Sutton Avian Research Center period. Our project began in 1997 and will continue P.O. Box 2007 through 2001. The areas surveyed (called random blocks) Bartlesville, OK 74005-2007 are about 10 square miles in size and are randomly located Phone: (918) 336-7778 throughout all regions of the state. About 600 of these e-mail: [email protected] blocks need to be surveyed by 2001 in Oklahoma. The final product will be a published encyclopedic-type atlas (editors note: It appears that the Oklahoma project is very displaying maps with the most up-to-date and complete similar to our own. Ten hours is considered the minimum information available on Oklahoma's breeding bird life. time per block. If you live close to Oklahoma, or want to The Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville and the take some vacation time to go down and help, please Oklahoma Biological Survey at the University of contact Dan and let's give Oklahoma a hand on this!) Oklahoma are coordinating the project.
The Canyonlands: Southeast Logan County Winter Bird Count participants ready to move on after a break and a change to dry socks. The count, conducted on December 30, 1997, covered 8.5 miles on foot. Left to right are: Debra Bolton, Barbara Campbell and Greg Farley. photo by Tom Shane
- 19 - Colorado Field Ornithologists Convention May 8 - 10, 1998 Lamar, Colorado
KOS members have been invited to the Colorado Field Ornithologists (CFO) Spring Convention. There are several things that make this convention attractive. It is close to Kansas. Lamar is just 100 miles west of Garden City on Hwy. 50. It is at a good time of the year for migrants. CFO members are going to southeastern Colorado to look for eastern vagrants, so it only stands to reason that Kansas birders could go there looking for some of the western specialties! The registration brochure for the meeting is 8 pages in length. I'll try to condense the highlights and important contact information down to one page.
Friday, May 8th, Lamar Colorado, The Cow Palace, 1301 North Main, 6 pm to 10 pm check-in/social.
Saturday, May 9th, Field Trips - listing follows schedule - Member slide show at 7 pm.
Sunday, May 10th, 1/2 day morning field trips. Afternoon Paper Session at 1:30 p.m. Banquet Buffet at 7:00 p.m., program at 8:15. Program Speaker will be Jon Dunn. Mr. Dunn was a chief consultant for The National Geographic Society's Field Guide to the Birds of North America. His latest book, A Field Guide to Warblers of North America, with Kimball Garrett, was published late last summer.
Saturday Field Trips: 1/2 day trips 1. Hasty and John Martin Reservoir areas, leaders: Clif Smith and Pearle Sandstrom-Smith 2. Great Plains Reservoirs, leader: Duane Nelson. 3. Fort Lyon area, leader: Brandon Percival. 4. Two Buttes Reservoir, leader: Joey Kellner Full Day Trips 5. Cottonwood Canyon and Baca County, leader: Mark Janos 6. LaJunta area, leader: Van Truan
Sunday Field Trips 1. Bent's Fort (combined birder/non-birder trip) 2. Great Plains Reservoir 3. Fort Lyon area 4. Two Buttes Reservoir 5. Holly area
If you want to attend this meeting you need to hurry as pre-registration needs to be in by April 15. Pre-registration is $30 for members, $40 for non-members. The banquet buffet is $14. Field trip sack lunches are $5. The registration brochure has a list of nine motels in Lamar ranging in prices from the mid $20 to the mid $40.
How do you register? Contact their registration chairperson!
Pearle Sandstrom-Smith 2823 5th Ave Pueblo, CO 81003
719-543-6427
Or contact the Horned Lark editor (see front page, Who's Who) and I can FAX or mail you a copy of the registration brochure.
- 20 - Miscellaneous Stuff
Great Plains Nature Photographers Local Field Trips
This group got organized with a successful meeting last If there is one thing that will get more people joining fall with over 100 photographers in attendance at and involved in KOS it's local activities. I encourage Lindsborg. They have set dates for their next two other members to lead local field trips. You don't have meetings. to be a Roger Tory Peterson, just set a date, time and place; advertise it; show up and lead it. If you are just Their spring meeting will be April 18th at the Great learning yourself let everyone know that this is Plains Nature Center in Wichita. The fall meeting will definitely a beginners trip and have fun. Encourage be November 21, tentatively scheduled for Emporia. families and children to come along. Contact our KOS Single registration for the spring meeting is $10, $15 for Business Manager, James Barnes (see front page) and a family registration. To register, or to get more ask him to send you some membership brochures and information) contact: Larry Rosenkoetter, 204 W. hand them out. Columbus, Lindsborg, KS 67456, (785) 227-3294 Some of the information that Ken Brunson has gotten together to support the Teaming With Wildlife effort is pretty astounding. In Kansas 586,000 people observe Gleanings wildlife, 126,500 photograph wildlife, 761,100 feed wildlife and 109,000 people maintain natural wildlife There have been a couple of recent meetings that this plantings. In total, more than 844,000 Kansans and editor has attended. The KOS Winter Board Meeting met out of state visitors attend events relate to, or making in Wichita on February 28th. use of, Kansas' outdoor resources. The amazing part of all of this is that these figures are from a 1991 study. Quite a bit of the morning discussion centered around the Since that time, everyone is pretty well in agreement upcoming 50th Anniversary meeting in Lawrence. This that the numbers have increased dramatically. Let's will be a gala celebration which will include the chance to take advantage of this interest and get these folks visit with and listen to some of the legendary figures of familiar with KOS. Kansas Ornithology. If you can squeeze in the time, you could get a chance to view some of the study skins at KU To put my time where my mouth is here are dates for including those of extinct or extirpated species. Jim upcoming bird walks in the Milford Lake area. All Mayhew and Chuck Otte are compiling an updated history these walks are on Saturdays, they start at 8:00 a.m., of KOS. If you have anything you can share with us and will leave from the Milford Nature Center, below please let us know as soon as possible, (addresses are on the dam at Milford Lake (look for the signs.) April 18, the front page). May 16, June 20 and July 18. All trips will be lead by Chuck Otte, they usually last about 2 hours, birders of There was a report from the Kansas Bird Records all experience are welcome - especially beginners and Committee. They had met at KU recently and spent time youth, and we will explore areas around and near studying skins of recently split species (the former Solitary Milford Lake. Vireo complex for one) and other confusing groups. Look for more good projects out of this committee to help KOS If you are leading local field trips please drop me a members sharpen their ornithological skills. note and I will announce those in future issues!
We also discussed the Dingus Natural Area. KOS owns this area near Mound City and we will need to be getting I've spent most of my life birding. The some volunteer help together to do some upkeep and rest I've just wasted! Modified after a sign in a improvements. If you would like to help, contact Jim Garden City establishment by Tom Shane Mayhew.
- 21 - KOS Spring Field Trip Announcement and Registration Form May 1 - 3, 1998 (with optional activities April 30) The Red Hills of Kansas
The Spring Field Trip of the Kansas Ornithological Society will be in the scenic Red Hills of Kansas this year. Plan now to attend for a chance to view some of the most appealing scenery in Kansas, and a chance to find some of the more sought-after birds in the state. The trip planning committee, composed of Bill Busby, Gregg Friesen, Pete Janzen, Jim Nickel, and Eddie Stegall, invites you to participate in this exciting event! Non-members are welcome to attend as well.
The weekend will start with a campout at Coldwater Lake Thursday night, April 30. There is a $7.00 fee for overnight camping at the lake. The primary goal is to listen for Black Rails and other marsh birds. On Friday, the group will meet arriving birders by 10 am, and depart the lake for a tour of the Red Hills area, which will arrive at Medicine Lodge in the late afternoon.
Headquarters for the remainder of the weekend is the Copa Motel in Medicine Lodge. A block of rooms has been set aside for the 1st and 2nd of May. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of KOS. I have been quoted $41.95 for a room with 2 queen-size beds. There are only a handful of eating establishments in Medicine Lodge. These include a Pizza Hut, a mom & pop burger stand, a truck stop, and a couple of convenience stores. The group will meet at a quaint tavern in Sun City on Saturday night for compilation, and at the Pizza Hut in Medicine Lodge for the noon meal on Sunday. Trip participants are responsible for paying for these meals. All other meals are on your own. Please plan accordingly.
There will be two main field trips on Saturday. One will visit the canyons along the Salt Fork in south-eastern Comanche County. This trip offers some up-close looks at seldom-visited areas, including Swartz Canyon, where Rufous-crowned Sparrow is a possibility, and species such as Rock Wren and Painted Bunting are surprisingly common. People planning to go on this trip are advised to drive vehicles with high clearance and/or 4 wheel drive, as some of the roads are very poor. This trip will also include 3-5 miles of hiking across some fairly rugged terrain. Also, be aware that the possibility of encountering several species of rattlesnakes is not impossible on this trip. Be sure to plan for this trip accordingly, including bringing a good supply of water, etc. Leaders for this trip are Bill Busby and Pete Janzen.
The other Saturday trip will be less challenging from a logistical standpoint, and will visit the beautiful areas of western Barber County and southeastern Kiowa County. This trip will be led by Eddie Stegall and Ken Brunson, two of the more interesting members of our society. For those who have not seen the Red Hills before, this trip will offer a great opportunity to explore them, with two of the naturalists who know the area the best. These two people have a wealth of knowledge about the natural life and history of the Red Hills.
The trips on Sunday will visit a number of areas closer to Medicine Lodge. Plans at this point are for up to four trips, in order to keep the group size as small as possible. Permission has been obtained from several local landowners to trespass on their property. The compilation will be at noon at the Pizza Hut.
We have decided that it would be too difficult to incorporate trips to Lesser Prairie Chicken leks with the other field trips, so these are not planned. Maps will be available to those wishing to view a lek before or after the meeting.
There is not a registration fee for this trip, because all of the participants are responsible for their own meals and lodging. It is requested that you register for the weekend, using the form below, so that the committee can have an idea of how many people to expect. Also we need to warn Buster’s how many people to expect!! Hotel reservations are up to you. The number for the Copa Best Western is 316-886-5673. Anyone seeking lodging in Coldwater for Thursday night (other than camping), is advised to contact the Comanche Motel at 316-582-2104.
- 22 - KOS Spring Field Trip Registration Form May 1 - 3, 1998 (with optional activities April 30) The Red Hills of Kansas
Yes I plan on attending the KOS Fall Meeting on the following days
[ ] Thursday, April 30. Evening campout at Coldwater Lake.
[ ] Friday tour of the Red Hills, departing Coldwater Lake at 10:00 AM sharp.
[ ] Saturday field trips. Please indicate preference of trip: [ ] Southeast Comanche Co/Swartz Canyon [ ] Western Barber Co/Belvidere area. [ ] I plan to attend the compilation at Buster’s in Sun City. He should make some dinner for me.
[ ] Sunday field trips.
[ ]Sunday compilation at the Pizza Hut
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number e-mail address
Return completed form to: Pete Janzen 3137 Mascot Wichita, Ks. 67204-4407 or by e-mail to: [email protected]
Phone inquires may be made by calling Pete at 316-832-0182
- 23 - This Page Intentionally Left Blank
(But don't forget to mark down the dates of the 50th Anniversary KOS Annual Meeting October 9 - 11, 1998 Special Events Special Guests Special Activities Be part of this historical gathering Plan now to attend!)
- 24 -